FAMU Board of Trustees Suspends Presidential Search

Tallahassee, FL - Just days before committee members were to interview candidates for FAMU's new president, the entire search has been put on hold.

The university just announced this afternoon the search for FAMU's 11th president has been temporarily suspended.

Since January, 29 people had applied to be FAMU's new president. The board of trustees were scheduled to meet next week to finalize the search process, as well as interview the finalists. They were even expected to possibly select a new president on next Friday.

But, now the board chairman, Solomon Badger, has suspended the search.

Badger says he suspended the search for the 11th President of FAMU because it would not be fair to bring a new president in while FAMU's accreditation is at risk.

SACS, the accreditation entity, placed FAMU on probation in December.

University administrators face a very tight timetable to respond to SACS.

In a statement, he says, "We have a highly-skilled team, led by Interim President Robinson, that is diligently working to prepare the report to SACS, due in August. It would be irresponsible to disrupt their work at this critical juncture."

Solomon Badger points out that his decision to suspend the presidential search is neither a commentary on the quality of candidates, nor a questioning of the search process.

He did not say when they'll resume the search, but, you can count on WCTV to continue to follow any developments.

“I have decided today to temporarily suspend the search for a new FAMU President. This is neither a commentary on the quality of candidates, nor a questioning of the search process. This is just a stark acknowledgment of the fact that FAMU’s accreditation is at risk, as it was placed on probation by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges) in December.

We currently face a very tight timetable to prepare our detailed response to SACS, with key deadlines fast approaching. We have a highly-skilled team, led by Interim President Robinson, that is diligently working to prepare the report to SACS, due in August, and to ready FAMU for SACS' on-site visit in September. It would be irresponsible to disrupt their work at this critical juncture.

It would also be eminently unfair to bring in a new President as FAMU’s accreditation hangs in the balance. I have full faith that Interim President Robinson and his team will succeed in their effort and want to make sure they face no distractions or disruptions.

I also want to thank the members of the search committee for their work so far and our many esteemed candidates for their interest. I hope they understand my decision and remain ready to resume the search process after the university has addressed these critical issues,” said Badger.

All presidential search committee meetings for next week have been canceled.

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